I don't know how big a patch is allowed to be but mine is the town of Felixstowe and encompasses the rivers Orwell and Deben plus a few picturesque villages. I found myself at a bit of a loose end this afternoon so I headed for the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry, armed with a camera. It was quite busy down there with people crabbing from the jetty and generally chilling out. The birdlife consisted almost exclusively of herring gulls, adult and juvenile - I did keep an eye out for an osprey as there had been a sighting of one a few miles up the river but I was out of luck there. I did get some gull snaps:
Juvenile herring gulls are so adorable when they're begging for food!
This gull doesn't look remotely impressed at the younger bird's calling - I suspect this one isn't quite an adult yet, but getting there.
The best place to be on a lovely, hot day - in the water!
A previously calm scene becomes a right old kerfuffle as someone throws food to the gulls - a complete bundle ensues!
These herring gulls don't do things by halves!
I got quite a surprise when I saw this - I've never, ever, seen a seal of any description here!
What a lovely sight!
I caught these two canoodling on my way back to the car! They are surprisingly affectionate birds once the female allows herself to be caught.
This male mallard was reluctant to be photographed at Gulpher Pond, on my way home - understandable, given the back of his neck isn't as shiny as it could be.
I hope you all enjoy these!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Some really good Gull action there C (shall use initial only as is my style & anyway every time I type your full name it gets altered to Flare - soooo annoying!!)
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LOL! I'm sticking to Wendy - Bendy probably wouldn't suit you. How come I keep getting altered to Flare???? Not something I'd ever wear.
Your local patch is whatever you want it to be, Clare. Usually, it's somewhere you go habitually but it doesn't really matter.
The much maligned gull is a good subject for photos - as long as it doesn't pinch your chips - and you've taken some good photos. I always like to see a bit of feeding frenzy.
What type of seal was it? I know there are Common Seals on the east coast but I'm not expert enough to ID it.
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Tony
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Thanks, TeeJay. I never go anywhere near a gull if I have food - unless I'm planning to feed it to them! I've come to like gulls - they're such protective parents, and their flying skills are a joy to watch.
I have no idea what kind of seal it was - I very rarely see seals so I know next to nothing about them. Still thrilled I saw one, though.
Good pics of the seagulls Clare, very clear, the young have their own haunting mew don't they. We often see them padding on the various greens for worms after learning from their parents I suppose. The neighbour nearby throws out crusts on her roof and what a noise they make when they cotton on and fly in. Lucky you to see a seal too, beautiful creatures.
Lot to learn
Lovely, CLARE. and great to spot the Seal; I hope you see them there again.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Thanks, Gaynor and OG. Juvenile gulls do have their own, distinctive sound - they always sound like they're crying. I don't know how often seals are sighted at Felixstowe Ferry - it's my first ever sighting of one there. I'll be keeping an eye out in future, just in case.
Thanks CLARE. Lovely pics. Well done seeing the seal and getting your photographs.
Hi Clare
Have done that circular dozens of times, re the seals more and more are being seen down our neck of the woods, especially when the sandbanks/shingle is exposed at low tide [have seen the occasional harbour porpoise] there was this famous one that decided to entertain the crowds in Feb 2009 on one of the groynes down by The Dip, one of these pics made the locals, I took about 50 pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16304936@N06/
http://suffolk.activeboard.com/f528553/birds-of-suffolk/
Wow, John - those are gorgeous. I love the expression in its face in the last picture - it looks so bemused at the attention!